No plea was entered by either man’s representative, bail was not applied for and was formally refused by Magistrate Dr Gabriel Fleming.

They both face five charges, including aggravated assault with intent to rob with wounding grievous bodily harm; aggravated assault with intent to rob; reckless wounding; affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.

Seventy six-year-old Mr Beugels was attacked in North Nowra while on an evening walk on August 25.

Police allege Mr Beugels was punched to the ground, had his head pushed into a concrete gutter, his wallet stolen and his head stomped on.

Chamberlain and Dunley were arrested the Thursday evening following the alleged attack after police made a number of public appeals for information into the incident.

The accused will make replies to representations in regard to the charges in Nowra Local Court again on February 19, at which time depending on pleas the matter could be committed to the District Court.